Last month I wrote about deciding to leave my mastermind group after 5 years. You might be wondering why. After all, 5 years with the same group suggests it must have been working well for me to stay so long, right?
Yes, and no.
What worked well?
- Trust was established early on so that we felt safe to be vulnerable with each other. That helped us to confront our self-sabotage and resistance.
- Diversity of our businesses and life experiences brought a wealth of insights, resources, expertise and potential leads.
- Many of the meetings were highly productive and motivating. Each time I left I was inspired and eager to take the next steps. In this group, I turned many pivotal corners to take my business out in a bigger way.
What didn't?
- Group size was too small at three. While adding new people was discussed, no move to invite others to join occurred. We missed out on having fresh perspectives and resources that would re-energize the group.
- Scheduling problems. Because we were so small, if one or two had unexpected conflicts, we scrambled to reschedule which sometimes made the times in between meetings too long.
- Certain basics of the group began to slide; having agreements written by the first day of each month, actual business check-ins started late and meeting times lengthened. There were times when we just wanted to socialize rather than to maximize the intent of the group. We got lazy too often.
- Accountability was inconsistent. Breaking of monthly promises and agreements occurred. I suggested weekly calls or emails to stay on track. The other members declined to add additional accountability.
As I read over this article, I realize that there were more things about the group that wasn't working for too long. Staying together had become too comfortable. We allowed our progress to be acceptable rather than challenging us to be our best.
I'm in the process of organizing a new group of six to begin in the New Year. I'm so excited!
I was reading the Secrets To Success blog and found an interesting post mentioning 5 ideas to help you start a Mastermind Group. The ideas included:
1. Determine the size of group, and carefully select members. The group size should feel comfortable. Not too small and not too big. Select members for your group who will actively participate and bring value to the table.
2. Decide the frequency of meeting and agenda for each meeting. One group I was in had a very formal agenda for each meeting, with a specific topic for discussion. Another was less structured, yet focused. Determining "the rules" ensures that everyone in your group is accountable for success.
3. Be clear about expectations for attendance and behavior. Success comes from 100% participation. Without a rigorous commitment, the group will lose its power and sense of importance.
4. Always strive to be of service to others. Focusing on others first is the surest way to get the most out of your group. You will gain a great deal from participating in the group you help create, by choosing to give before you get.
5. Forget everything I just said, and build your inner circle organically. While I believe in the power of having a group that is committed to one another, I also believe in the power of one-on-one relationships and the advantages of hand picking your team over time. Honestly, either approach works. Perhaps you decide to have both.
Kristen Marie Schuerlein writes a blog on designing a life that you love. Her recent post was on creating an inner circle or Mastermind Group to help you achieve the success you're after. Kristen notes:
None of us get to the top of the mountain alone. Why would we when it is so much sweeter up there being surrounded by friends?
She goes on to make 5 suggestions for people considering creating or joining a Mastermind Group:
1. Determine the size of group, and carefully select members
2. Decide frequency of meeting and agenda for each meeting. One group I was in had a very formal agenda for each meeting, with a specific topic for discussion. Another was less structured, yet focused.
3. Be clear about expectations for attendance and behavior. Success comes from 100% participation. Without a rigorous commitment, the group will lose its power and sense of importance.
4. Always strive to be of service to others. Focusing on others first is the surest way to get the most out of your group.
5. Forget everything I just said, and build your inner circle organically. While I believe in the power of having a group that meets monthly or so, and that is committed to one another, I also believe in the power of one on one relationships and selecting your team over time. Honestly, either approach works. Perhaps you decide to have both. The bottom line is understanding the power of surrounding yourself with people up to big things, and seeking to give to others. This is a secret to success.
EvanCarmichael.com is the world's #1 website for small business motivation and strategies. Evan also runs a series of successful Mastermind Groups in Toronto for entrepreneurs.
Guest Contributor: Lorraine Cohen
